A site at Parkway near Guildford Lido is now home to a 35ft sculpture, carved from the trunk of a dead beech tree.

The artwork, funded by Guildford Borough Council, depicts intertwined figures leaping from water, inspired by both its siting next to the Guildford Lido, and the beech material.

The sculpture is the result of six months of dedicated work by local artist Ruth Wheeler and Guildford Borough Council’s trees and countryside manager Richard Perrins.

Ruth said: “The overall project has been a challenging and exciting experience for me. Overcoming difficulties such as English weather, precision carving with a heavy chainsaw and a fear of heights has certainly been worth it.”

Work on the sculpture began after a decision was made to preserve the 100-year-old tree located in the overflow car park at the lido. Ruth used a combination of chainsaw and hand tools to carve the piece, as well as enlisting the help of tree surgeons.

Mr Perrins said: “Ruth has done a fantastic job and we have already received many positive comments from passers by. The sculpture has certainly provided a focal point for the Stoke Crossroads and my thanks again to all the volunteers who have helped work on the piece.”